Each mistletoe berry can produce up to two metres of a gluey thread called viscin. It allows the seeds of this parasitic plant to stick to and infect host plants. Since ancient times, mistletoe berries have been explored as treatments for everything from infertility and epilepsy to cancer. But, until now, no one has fully investigated the potential medical or technical uses of the glue itself.
Lack of environmental awareness and preference for variety leading causes of waste in fast-fashion production
Using radio transmitters, scientists have gained new insights into the behaviour of medium ground finches in the Galapagos Islands. A study led by º«¹úÂãÎè researchers reveals daily movement patterns covering an area equivalent to the size of 30 soccer fields.
Fever, cough, sore throat – symptoms in the spotlight in the era of COVID-19 – are just some of the tell-tale signs of our body’s immune system kicking into action against an unwanted intruder. Whether triggered by an infection, an allergen, or a vaccine, immune responses are driven by a complex array of cellular processes that can play out over several days or even weeks.
Here are some interesting new stories from º«¹úÂãÎè Media Relations:
As the impact of climate change intensifies and accelerates, there is growing urgency to radically transform areas that can be substantially decarbonized. Buildings are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) however the vast majority of existing Canadian building stock was constructed with no energy code in place. Developing a systematic and scalable approach to retrofit existing buildings and communities to reduce their GHG emissions will help Canada achieve its carbon reduction targets.
After two years of health restrictions that have often left concert halls empty and musicians struggling, a generous donation from the Azrieli Foundation is helping to breathe new life into the world of elite music performance.
Different types of brain damage caused by a concussion may lead to similar symptoms in children, according to research led by º«¹úÂãÎè. A new way of studying concussions could help develop future treatments.
While most children fully recover after a concussion, some will have lasting symptoms. The findings published in help explain the complex relationships that exist between symptoms and the damage caused by the injury.
Astronomers have unveiled the first image of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy. This result provides overwhelming evidence that the object is indeed a black hole and yields valuable clues about the workings of such giants, which are thought to reside at the centre of most galaxies. The image was produced by a global research team called the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, using observations from a worldwide network of radio telescopes. Astronomers from º«¹úÂãÎè were part of this global effort.
Using anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to relieve pain could increase the chances of developing chronic pain, according to researchers from º«¹úÂãÎè and colleagues in Italy. Their research puts into question conventional practices used to alleviate pain. Normal recovery from a painful injury involves inflammation and blocking that inflammation with drugs could lead to harder-to-treat pain.
As part of its ongoing commitment to fighting climate change, º«¹úÂãÎè’s result-oriented strategy has accelerated the effective decarbonization of its investment, and further reduced its exposure to large users of oil, gas, and coal, as well as fossil fuel producers. By taking a holistic approach that looks beyond the traditional carbon-intensive energy sector, the University has achieved a nearly 53 per cent absolute reduction in the carbon footprint of its two-billion-dollar endowment portfolio in just two years.
A new study from º«¹úÂãÎè finds higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors in people exposed to wildfires. The study, which tracks over two million Canadians over a period of 20 years, is the first to examine how proximity to forest fires may influence cancer risk.
This Spring, beloved traditions are returning to º«¹úÂãÎè’s downtown and Macdonald campuses. The University’s newest graduates will again cross the stage to receive their hard-earned degrees and diplomas. To celebrate these students’ outstanding achievements, the University will welcome 14 inspirational individuals who have made exceptional contributions to both their own fields and society as a whole.
It’s easy to imagine the emotional distress of both parents and children in families where there isn’t enough to eat. Especially if it happens regularly. An increasing number of studies have shown an association between food insecurity and adverse mental health outcomes. Now, new research from º«¹úÂãÎè has looked at the impacts of food insecurity on the mental health of both parents and children separately.
Montreal-based centre unites strengths of º«¹úÂãÎè, ÉTS, Mila, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, and CentraleSupélec